Certain professions have a strong association with fall risk. Construction workers, for example, largely recognize that falls are a leading cause of mortality within their industry. What people may not realize is that a fall does not need to involve a worker at a significant elevation to be dangerous.
Same-level falls, including slip-and-falls and tripping incidents, are also potentially dangerous for professionals. Unlike major falls from an elevation, same-level falls are a concern in almost any profession. Bus drivers, maintenance professionals and accountants could all fall if they slip on a spilled cup of coffee or trip over something left on the floor. Many lost-time incidents in the workplace begin with same-level falls.
What injuries are possible?
Same-level falls may not lead to instantly fatal injuries, but they can still cause costly injuries. A worker who falls could easily sustain a soft tissue injury as they react. They could strain or sprain body parts trying to slow their fall.
People who try to stop a fall with their arms could break bones in their arms, collar bones or shoulders. People who fall at an unusual angle could break bones due to impact with the ground, and those who flail could break bones by making contact with nearby objects.
Workers can also theoretically hit their heads when they fall, which can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They could face tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and a lifetime of reduced income due to the debilitating symptoms a TBI can generate.
How can workers’ compensation help?
Anyone hurt in an on-the-job incident could potentially be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation can pay for surgery, diagnostic testing and even physical therapy as a worker heals.
If an employee cannot work until they heal, they may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. If they need to move into a light-duty position, they may be eligible for partial disability benefits. In more extreme cases where falls cause brain injuries or fractures that leave an employee unable to continue working, even permanent disability benefits could be available.
Professionals hurt in same-level falls may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Even if they fall because they tripped over their own shoelaces or became distracted in the workplace while walking, they may still be eligible for no-fault workers’ compensation coverage.
